Stormers

Officials are starting to act like neglected kids who have always sought attention with atrocious calls and decisions every week. It is as if they want to be in the headlines every week and for all the wrong reasons. Some may call the criticism unfair but its warranted with the number of high profile howlers growing by the week. Soon the question of match fixing will become part of the rugby conversation. Instead of focusing on the rugby, most press conferences, around the world have resulted in talk of the referee decisions. Blues coach Tana Umaga the latest to highlight some inconsistencies. There were many a dubious call that are yet to be put to the fore.

The neck roll on Schalk Ferreira by Sam Whitelock has yet to be cited and one has to wonder what the problem is. A result of the Southern Kings front row heading back home.

It was almost the howler of the year for me, Jaco Peyper was about to send the Brumbies to the bin instead of the shower for punches. Had sanity not prevailed the Brumbies could have got away with that one.

The punch by Nizaam Carr was missed amidst the punching row.

Dillyn Lleyds’ try was actually inconclusive. There is a grey area on this one and I await an explanation from the South African referees on how this was a try.

Law 22.1 & 22.2 state- There are two ways a player can ground the ball:

(a) Player touches the ground with the ball. A player grounds the ball by holding the ball and touching the ground with it, in in-goal. ‘Holding’ means holding in the hand or hands, or in the arm or arms. No downward pressure is required.

(b) Player presses down on the ball. A player grounds the ball when it is on the ground in the in-goal and the player presses down on it with a hand or hands, arm or arms, or the front of the player’s body from waist to neck inclusive.

The list will go on, unless teams adapt on a game to game basis they will struggle. What you will be penalised for in one week, you will be allowed in another. The Reds-Blues clash was an example of an official not sure about the breakdown /scrum laws with some contentious calls. Surely there can be ways in which the officials fix this trend before it gets worse.

The use of neutral officials in clashes could be of help. Watching the Jaguares game against the Chiefs; one has to wonder what SANZAAR are a aiming at with the officials finding themselves making some rather one sided calls on occasion. One has to feel for the Argentinians who have had to face this all season.

All attack, no defence

The Lions managed to put the Cheetahs to the sword and further exposed the Bloemfontein side’s inability to tackle, cover the support runners and read the play of the opposition. The Cheetahs have a tournament high of 116 tackles. A further 38 more than the beleaguered Kings who show some bright sparks but lack the nous to dominate an 80 minute game. The Bloemfontein side is still in rebuilding but would have done well to focus on defence first this season to heal an Achilles heel that has derailed them in the last decade. The chances are looking good that South Africa will harbour at least two of the worst sides in the competition. While most sides will battle with balance the Cheetahs just seem to forget the entire aspect that is defence.

Team of the week:

My team of the week this weekend features a few surprise players and the top performers in:

For a team that had under two weeks in pre-season the Wolves managed to play a brave, exciting game The Cheetahs should have been worried at some stage and if it wasn’t for the replacements early on from Franco Smith they could have lost.

The Cheetahs will take pride in the character they showed and will look back and take a few lessons from this match. No one will under estimate the Sunwolves and if you willing to field an under strength side against them- at your own peril.

The Wolves showed some great innovation, speed and resilience. Their addition is becoming more of a positive addition and they are well placed to leave a mark on this tournament.

AkihitoYamada was exceptional in scoring a hat trick that lit up the round. #Awooo

Lions still in good stead

A loss to the champions the Highlanders saw the Lions end their overseas tour with two wins in three. The performance was not as bad if you look at the numbers and game a second time.

The Lions may need to adopt a few options if they look to be an all-round game. They will need to at their kicking game. The Lions kicking was out of touch in Dunedin and may need to refine it a bit.

They showed a lot more one dimensional play this weekend as well, playing off the second receiver so often the Highlanders had it covered. The Highlanders offered an impressive rush defense that capitalized on long, cut-out passes and this resulted in smothering tackles, intercepts to mention a few.

What will be key is how close the Lions came to scoring in the last minute when there was a chip over the defence and they regathered.

Attacking variations will be important going forward. Bar a game in Argentina, the Lions have majority of their games in South Africa and should be poised to finish top in their group.

We also learned that what you do with possession is very important as the Lions dominated possession & territory (71% and 70 % respectively).

The Lions at some point looked to have run out of ideas and could be their biggest downfall if they do not vary their game. Their depth looks much better than most sides in the competition.

The Sharks are better than last year

They Sharks have looked good over the weeks. Slowly showing a vast improvement on the past season.

They have looked good in the set-piece and have a great blend between experience and youth. The side that took to field on Saturday averaged just 25 years. Forget the contentious decision to award the penalty try which I think was completely wrong and bonkers.

The credibility to match officials needs to seriously be looked at. The Sharks played what was in front of them and they dominated. Both Stormers packs got pummelled at the scrum bar one or two when Scarra and the less fancied Oli Kebble felt like scrumming.

The Beast had one of his best games and destroyed both Springbok incumbents. The line out was much improved even pipping a Stormers throw. The tactical nous of Gary Gold has to be lauded.

There is a tour ahead but for now the Sharks can be hopeful of a strong season. The thought of Pat Lambie, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Francois Kleinhans, Renaldo Bothma, Jacques Potgieter, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Botha among many who will boost the squad.

To Gary Gold, unleash S’bura Sithole. He will add some variety to a backline that could derail the Sharks attack. The Stormers will need to go to the drawing board because the next two clashes are as tough as they get.

The Brumbies who look flawless and a trip to Argentina against the Jaguares could define their season.

Western Province Rugby can confirm that Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit will be furthering his career with the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province from November 1, 2015.

Having recently announced the signings of props JC Janse van Rensburg and JP Smith, as well as capturing the signature of Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks, the confirmation of Du Toit’s signing is a huge boost for both the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province.

WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal commented: “We are excited that Pieter-Steph has decided to return (home) to the Cape, where he was born and raised, and so too is Cornal Hendricks – a tall, fast wing who is a proven performer at international level.

“JC (Janse van Rensburg) is an experienced loosehead prop with plenty top-level captaincy experience, so we believe all our signings will bolster us in key areas.”

Du Toit, who recently turned 23, was a member of the triumphant SA Under-20 team of 2012, before making his Test debut for the Springboks in Cardiff in November 2013.

To date he has played four Tests, the most recent being against Argentina in Buenos Aires earlier this month when he featured as a replacement flank – adding versatility to his many attributes, which include physicality, mobility and fantastic line-out and aerial skills.

“We want Western Province Rugby to continue to attract the biggest names in South Africa and someone like Pieter-Steph du Toit certainly fits the bill.

“We have our eye on a few more players, along with some re-signings that we will announce very soon, whilst we will also be concluding our search for a new Super Rugby coach shortly,” concluded Smal.

Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks has signed a contract with Western Province Rugby and will be available for the DHL Stormers from the start of the 2016 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The speedster, who originally made his name at international Sevens level, will return to his roots as a DHL Stormers player – having played his early provincial rugby for Boland, before becoming a full-time Sevens player in 2012 and then joining the Free State Cheetahs in 2014.

Hendricks, 27, made his Test debut in June of last year, whilst the 2013 Springbok Sevens Player of the Year was also a key member of the Commonwealth Games Gold medal-winning SA Sevens team in July 2014.

In all, he has played 11 Tests (as well as an additional match against the World XV) for the Springboks, scoring five tries – including a try on debut against Wales and a memorable solo score against the All Blacks in their hard-fought Rugby Championship tussle in Wellington in September 2014.

At 1,89 metres and 90 kilograms, he is an ideal wing signing for the DHL Stormers, with WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal telling the www.iamastormer.com website: “Cornal is tall and fast, which is what you need out wide at Super Rugby level, and he’s also a proven performer at international level.

“He is a local player who is coming home to his roots, so it’s an exciting signing for us on many levels. We look forward to seeing him in DHL Stormers colours come 2016.”

Benedict Chanakira reports that Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks has reportedly signed a two-year deal with Western Province. Apparently the Bulls were also trying to sign the Springbok winger but it looks like Western Province has won the race to secure Hendricks signature.

If the rumors are indeed true Hendricks will join his new Province after the World Cup in England later this year. At this stage no conformation has been given by either Western province nor the Cheetahs on Hendricks move.

The powerful former Lions captain is currently in his third season with French club, Bayonne, but he will bolster the DHL Stormers’ propping resources as of November 1 with Steven Kitshoff having decided to further his career in France.

Janse van Rensburg, 29, toured Europe with the Springboks in 2012 (without getting any game time), as well as making over 50 appearances for the Lions at Super Rugby level and winning well over 50 provincial caps for the Golden Lions.

The hard-working front-ranker also boasts extensive top-level captaincy experience, having earned plenty of plaudits for his captaincy of the Lions at both Vodacom Super Rugby and Absa Currie Cup level. “I think I’m a better player for my experience in France, but I’m looking forward to returning home and joining a talented an ambitious team like the DHL Stormers,” said Janse van Rensburg.

“I cannot wait to make the move to Cape Town and I look forward to contributing to the success of the DHL Stormers. “I still have plenty of ambitions in terms of winning trophies (in South Africa) and perhaps also playing at a higher level and I couldn’t think of a better province and union than Western Province to achieve those goals.”

WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal expressed his delight at the signing of Janse van Rensburg, who will add big-game experience to the DHL Stormers’ front row resources.

“JC brings with him a wealth of experience – both locally and internationally,” Smal told the www.iamastormer.com website. “There is no doubt that we have some of the best young talent in South Africa, but it’s been proven that you need some experience mixed in between and JC certainly brings that to the table.

“Before he left South Africa he was pushing hard for Springbok selection and I expect him to continue in that vein.”

Competition time folks, and thanks to the guys at DHL this one is sure to please Stormers fans!

DHL will be hosting the DHL Clifton Lifesaving Challenge this Sunday the 19th of January at Clifton 4th beach in Cape Town. In attendance will be various ex-Springbok legends as well as the Stormers Super Rugby squad for a fun day in the sun.

Part of the festivities also include a DHL Delivery Run on the beach and this is where you, the Cape Town fans come into play.

We are giving away the opportunity for one person and two of his or her mates, to join the festivities and take part in the ‘DHL Delivery Run’ on Sunday. The winner of the short beach run will win the new 2014 Stormers Rugby Jersey, and will also get the opportunity with his or her mates to meet the players, take photo’s and even get that jersey signed by the squad!

Whether or not you win the race, it is an event you surely do not want to miss.

In order for you to win the chance to join the Stormers, DHL and the rest of the folks at Clifton beach, all you need to do is give us your 2014 New Year’s RUGBY Resolution including the hashtag, #DHLClifton. You can enter as many times as you like and either post your entries right here on the site, or on our Twitter account, www.twitter.com/ruggaworld.

Remember, you and two mates will be invited to join the festivities so even get your mates to enter to stand a better chance.

Entries for the competition will close at 10:00am on Thursday morning and the winner will be announced on the site and on Twitter at noon.

Obviously, you need to be resident in Cape Town to claim this prize and if you happen to be a Stormers fan, all the better!

The Crusaders are in South Africa this week to face Cape Town’s Stormers. Despite having won 72% of their games against the Stormers the Crusaders are taking nothing for granted. The Stormers are a formidable side that play a very physical game and on home turf they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Head Coach Todd Blackadder has named his team making four changes to the team that played the Kings last weekend.

Luke Whitelock takes the number eight jersey replacing injured skipper Kieran Read while Tyler Bleyendaal moves into first five-eighth to replace Dan Carter who has remained in New Zealand to be at the birth of his first child.

Israel Dagg returns to fullback, moving Tom Marshall back to the Wing and Zac Guildford to the bench. George Whitelock will captain the side.

The game will also mark a special occasion for inside centre and vice captain Ryan Crotty who will be playing his 50th Super Rugby game for the Crusaders. On the bench, Jordan Taufua will have the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Crusaders if called upon.

Springbok Pat Cilliers will make his second start of the 2013 season, after being named at loosehead prop for the DHL Stormers’ Vodacom Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders at DHL Newlands on Saturday (kick-off 19h10).

The clash between the DHL Stormers and the Chiefs at DHL Newlands on Saturday 9th March saw the DHL Dancers run onto the rugby pitch in their new ensembles, as the winner of the DHL Design a Dancer contest was revealed.

Aimed at promoting local, up-and-coming talent in the fashion design field, the contest saw DHL team up with Western Province Rugby and FEDISA, South Africa’s Leading Institute for a BA Degree in Fashion Design to find a new outfit for the rugby team’s dedicated dance team. The winning design was also manufactured in the Western Cape, by a small CMT, to ensure it was proudly Capetonian.

The winning designer, Jode Venter, received a R10 000 cash prize, in addition to having her design showcased not only on the rugby pitch, but in all the associated media around the city’s favourite rugby team, the DHL Stormers. Jode’s original design was adapted with input from both DHL, Western Province Rugby and the dancers themselves, to create the final ensemble.

The outfit also borrows from the designs of runners-up Alana Dynowski and Alison Schwabe. Dynowski’s design ‘The Super Stormer Woman’ was themed around superheroes and the judging panel loved her cape. Similarly, Schwabe’s submission had a detachable hood, which has also been integrated into the final design.

“We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the entries,” comments Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa. “It was incredibly difficult to choose a winner but Jode’s definitely stood out for us. Her use of the DHL stripes, her presentation and the design theme that was used across all her elements – from the shoes, the socks, skirt and finishing – immediately caught our attention.”

Jode, a third year student at FEDISA hails from the Strand. She will complete her studies at the end of this year. “I got my ideas and inspiration from swimwear. I am very happy to have won and I am still in shock. I will be using the prize money for a new computer to use for my designs and further my career,” she concludes.

For more information on the contest and to see the seven finalist designs, please visit www.iamastormer.com

The Chiefs have announced their team to play the Stormers in their Investec Super Rugby game at DHL Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday morning at 4.05am (Saturday 9 March 5.05pm SA time).

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his side. Mahonri Schwalger starts at hooker and Tanerau Latimer at No 6 for the first time this season, while Craig Clarke resumes his starting spot at lock and Liam Messam moves to No 8.

Charlie Ngatai starts in the No 12 Jersey. Nick Crosswell makes his debut for the Chiefs and Andrew Horrell comes back in from injury. Hika Elliot and Augustine Pulu join the reserves.

The Sharks have only changed one for their match against the Stormers.

The only change for the Sharks comes in at loose-forward where Jean Deysel replaces Jacques Botes who moves to the bench. Marcell Coetzee will shift from 7 to the openside 6 position with Deysel wearing the number 7 shirt.

Elton Jantjies gets another start for the Stormers after a horrid afternoon with the boot against the Bulls.

Fullback Joe Pietersen and tighthead prop Frans Malherbe come into the starting line-up from the side that went down 17-25 to the Bulls last Friday, whilst flyhalf Peter Grant is back in the matchday 22 after completing his Japanese club commitments.

Joining Grant on the bench is prop Pat Cilliers – who started in the No.3 shirt last week – and scrumhalf Louis Schreuder who will warm the bench in place of Dewaldt Duvenage this weekend.

Saturday’s match, which will be played at Kings Park, kicks-off at 19h10.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers will lead the DHL Stormers into battle in their second pre-season friendly of 2013, when the Men from the Cape take on neighbours, the Regent Boland Cavaliers, at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (14h45).

The Bulls gets a taste of what the Stormers had to put up with following news that Wynand Olivier might miss the start of their Super Rugby campaign due to his Japanese club advancing in their domestic competition.